HMEA provides a variety of residential options, which enable a person to live in and become a part of his or her community. People may choose with whom and where they would like to live. The focus is on individually designed services that provide balance between a social life, skill acquisition and physical health.

Services are provided to people with disabilities beginning at age 5. Many of the people HMEA supports have intellectual challenges, but in addition there may also be secondary medical, physical, or behavioral challenges. Depending on individual needs, staff supports are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week or as few as 2 hours a week. Each situation is assessed separately by a team of HMEA staff and appropriate support is assigned. HMEA offers four living options:

Shared Living

An individual with a disability lives in the home of a Provider, and becomes a member of that household. Providers may be families, couples or single people. Providers offer support to the person placed in their home and they receive a stipend, as well as mutual companionship. HMEA provides support and supervision, along with wrap-around services, such as respite, clinical and medical consultation.

Family Partnership for Children

Full year, less restrictive residential option for school-aged children who are successful in their current school placement, but may need a residential component. Child lives with highly skilled and trained providers in or around their current communities.

Supported Living

One or two people live in apartments. Staff support is provided on an hourly basis, ranging from 2 hours per week to 24 hours per day. This support combines HMEA staff and Personal Care Attendants (PCAs).

24 Hour Supports

Typically four people live together in a home that is owned or leased by HMEA with 24 hour/7day per week staff support.

HMEA staff provide a range of services and supports which enable people to reach their goals in a safe and healthy environment. Services and supports include:

  • Community membership
  • Relationship building
  • Recreational activities
  • Skill acquisition
  • Medical management
  • Clinical management
  • Financial management
  • Transportation
  • Collaboration with school districts
  • Transitional services (Turning 22)
  • Applied Behavior Analysis

HMEA Administrative Office • 8 Forge Park East • Franklin, MA 02038
telephone: 508.298.1100 fax: 508.298.1400 email: hmea@hmea.org